A battle over free speech is playing out in a federal courthouse as a Falkville blogger seeks to block defamation claims filed against her by Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin.

“The blog contains information of legitimate public concern that are matters of public interest,” Brandy Lee of Birmingham, one of Glenda Lockhart’s lawyers, said Thursday.

Lee, who this week filed a motion to dismiss the counterclaim, said the blog played a part in remedying a public problem by bringing attention to misconduct by the defendants.

“For example, the blog made statements about the improper use of jail food money,” Lee said. “This information was proven true. The sheriff invested funds contrary to a federal court order in a now-bankrupt company run by a felon.”

Due to First Amendment concerns, statements made about public officials or matters of public concern — even if false — are not grounds for a defamation claim unless the official can demonstrate they were published with “actual malice.” “Corruption by public officials and their delegates within the sheriff’s office is a real public concern which I believe will protect my client’s free speech,” Lee said.

One of the first things we did when we started the blog was to make sure we were firm constitutional ground. We are. The article continues with more detail, laying out the claims and counter-claims without a lot of legalese. Enjoy the read.

Do these idiots really think the FBI, AG's office, and the DA's office would waste 3-4 years of resources on false claims? Also, is Ana saying it is ok to ruin other people and cause emotional stress to employees, as long as she don't be ruined?

I will be so happy to see these useless wastes of air gone!! Why are all of you staying here and further proving you are such embarrassments to Law Enforcement.

Ana tried hard to make it appear as if she cared about others around her as she built her criminal empire with low life’s willing to find ways to help Ana succeed. However, Ana only cared about herself and the money.